Howdy! I’m Katie Clemons. I create easy-to-use, story prompting products (including multiple #1 Bestselling guided journals) for the whole family because I believe that your story is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.
Sometimes a powerful conversation only needs a spark of inspiration. And that’s where I come in.
I began tinkering with journal techniques in elementary school when I craved a consistent, fun way to capture and write my stories. I found some success, though it mostly resulted in a shoebox of half-written, uninspiring diaries. I graduated cum laude in creative writing at Hollins University, focusing on personal essays and children's poetry, and I majored in business management at The University of Montana.
In the summer of 2009, I resolved to attempt something I never thought I’d be able to achieve: I decided I was going to fly an airplane. I wanted wings! As I worked on my private pilot’s license, I noticed there weren’t any other women stepping into the pilot’s seat. It was all men. I wondered about the women opting for the co-pilot seat—what were their dreams? Their stories? Their superpowers?
Meanwhile, my grandma had recently turned 90. NPR’s StoryCorp invited us to record her life’s dreams, stories, and strengths. You know: the kinds of moments we all say we’ll never forget. Except my grandma wasn't remembering any more. She sighed and said, “I should have written them down, Katie.”
That autumn, I handcrafted my first guided journal, adding little phrases (prompts) to get me writing. I printed and hole punched a few extra journals, put them on Etsy, and saw them sell that day. I quickly realized I wasn’t alone in my desire for introspection, connection, and storycatching. My mission—Let’s celebrate your story!—began as positive customer feedback started pouring in. (Thank you.)
My revolutionary approach to journaling caught the attention of press like Huffington Post, Pregnancy and Newborn, and Good Housekeeping. I received multiple green business awards from the Governor of Montana. Retailers started carrying my products, while not-for-profits took them on retreats and missions. I gave a TEDxTalk and shared my story on HGTV’s “You Live in What?”
Everything about my work and life changed when my first baby arrived. Unable to keep up with business demands, my team and I stopped making handmade journals. I took everything I’d learned and began self-publishing bound journals in 2015. My mother son keepsake journal and mother daughter keepsake journal became instant #1 Bestsellers on Amazon—an achievement I never dreamed possible!
Determined to help more folks celebrate and share their stories, I signed on with the incredible (and women-led!) publisher Sourcebooks in 2018 to relaunch my self-published journals and create a whole new line.
It’s been another dream come true, and I’m not done reaching for the stars yet.
Thank you for entrusting me and my products with your stories. My vision is to make ordinary life feel extraordinary. I know you feel like your story is messy and imperfect. Every story is . . . and that's what makes each one beautiful.
My heart has grown bigger because of you folks, and I’m touched by the incredible love, community, and powerful stories you share online every day. I only hope that I have helped you, too. Please keep cracking open with the perfect journal for you. Tell me what you need. Leave a product review or tell your friends. Share your family's storycatching moments, and cheer for each other with #katieclemonsjournals.
Your story is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and the people you love. Let’s celebrate your story!